By Babatunde Kaka
- Former MOCPED SUG Leader, Akinwande Oluwashola Grace Rewarded for Honesty.
The Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of the Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Dr Babatunde Ogunlaja JP (Fmbe), has applauded the efforts of the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, towards youth empowerment across communities in the State.
Oba Ogunlaja was speaking while addressing graduands at the just concluded graduation ceremony tagged “Young Africa Works-IITA Project, An innovative approach to agribusiness training and start-up for Nigeria’s young people” held on Wednesday 19th May 2021 at Noforija Town Hall, Epe Division, Lagos State.
His Royal Majesty further praised the youths for their commitment and dedication towards completing the training, especially in an age of decadence where youths have taken to slothfulness and criminality.
He, thereafter, admonished them to manage the funds provided to establish agro-businesses in various communities.
“I thank the Lagos State Governor for providing these youths with the opportunity to get trained and establish their business with the little start-up funds they are provided with. This will in no little measure improve their living standard and also contribute to the growth and development of our communities and the State.
“Whatever you have from this training, make sure you utilise it very well. We are all coming back to farming. Don’t see the funds provided with you for the start-up as “National Cake,” he stated.
While thanking the organizers of the project, Africa Projects Development Centre in partnership with IITA, Aladeshonyin again appreciated the occupants of the Noforija Townhall for creating room for the use of the hall for the training having understood the immense benefits of the program to the growth of the communities.
Royal fathers and Chiefs who graced the occasion took turns to present the certificate of completion to the beneficiaries. They include Oba Dr Babatunde Ogunlaja JP (Fmbe), Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, HRM Oba Kolawole Aliru, Alade Uraka of Poka, Oba Mufutau Ogunnukan, Adegbajo of Odo-Gbawojo and Chief M Badejo, Odofin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom all from Eredo LCDA, Epe Division.
The high point of the Ekimiks, Mastercard and Kano State Government Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources-sponsored event came to the fore during the address of one of the Coordinators, Mrs Felicia. Having commended Oba Ogunlaja for his benevolence and hospitable virtues, a commendation corroborated by another co-coordinator, Mr Sanni, She (Mrs Felicia) also commended the trainees for their cooperation.
It was at this point that she singled out Miss Akinwande Oluwashola Grace, who refunded the sum of NGN81,000 having been mistakenly paid NGN90,000 rather than NGN9,000 into her account. It turned out that the honest lady was the former Michael Otedola College of Primary Education Students Union Government MOCPEDSUG President. The
This gesture elicited thunderous applause from both the trainees and the guests. In his benevolent fashion, Oba Ogunlaja announced the sum of NGN50,000 reward for such an ethical act to the delight of the gathering.
As the event forged ahead, Miss Arodu Abimbola, a beneficiary, while appreciating the Noforija monarch for his immense support, she stated the program will create jobs and add to the country’s GDP. She assured that the sponsors won’t regret training the youths, stating that the loan provided won’t be squandered. She also revealed that the training would be expended to invest in agribusiness and feed the nation rather than running overseas.
Another beneficiary, Mr Akinsanya Oluwagbenga, a practising farmer in the fish, crop and poultry value chain in an interview with EkoHotBlog scored the training 8 across a scale of 10, pointing out that it was insightful, educative and informative. He also heaped praises on the facilitators for their professional display which made the training exceptional. He said that beneficiaries trained in aquaculture, vegetables, horticulture and poultry should start adding value to their communities first before forging ahead to highbrow areas.
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“To the Lagos State Government, IITA, Africa Projects Development Center, I want to say thank you to them and I’m giving them a thumbs up for putting up a program like this. Though, there are some “I”s and ” t”s that needed to be dotted and crossed, when they get the feedback from the questionnaire they gave us, they would put that into place,” he stated.
He, therefore, called on the Government to make the training a continuous exercise to reach more beneficiaries.
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